Benitez defends Liverpool team selection

Mathieu Valbuena hit a stunning winner in the 77th minute to leave the Reds, whose European form has been superb since the Spaniard took the reigns, with just one point from their opening two fixtures this season.

But Benitez, whose side showed a clutch of changes once again, refused to blame his rotation policy.

Asked if it had an impact he told Sky Sports 2: "No. Look at the team, we had some big names out there today.

"But the ones we chose were not good enough.

"We gave the ball away and we didn't create too many chances. You must give them (Marseille) credit as they worked hard, were well-organised and they had control - they weren't giving the ball away.

"I tried to change players, to change positions and we used different strikers.

"It's disappointing."

It was a lacklustre night all round at Anfield but Benitez could not blame the crowd for their muted support.

"I cannot say anything about the support because we weren't playing right from the start," he added.